Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), workers have the right to a safe workplace. The OSH Act was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act is located in the United States Code at 29 U.S.C. §651, and the applicable regulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 C.F.R. §1910.

The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. OSHA also provides information, training, and assistance to employers and workers.

And most states have additional laws (statutes) that govern safety and health in the workplace.

In South Carolina, workplace safety is governed by both federal and state regulations. Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), workers are entitled to a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm. The OSH Act, found at 29 U.S.C. §651, mandates that employers provide safe and healthy working conditions. The implementing regulations are located at 29 C.F.R. §1910. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards, as well as providing training and assistance. While South Carolina does not have a state plan approved by OSHA, it must still comply with federal OSHA standards. Employers in South Carolina are required to adhere to these federal guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for their employees. Additionally, South Carolina may have state-specific health and safety laws that complement the federal standards, but the primary regulatory framework for workplace safety is provided by the OSH Act and enforced by OSHA.